Another different and shorter interpretive trail with metal railings, leading to the top of a mound for dramatic views over the badlands, is located directly in front of the museum entrance. The Badlands Interpretive Trail beginning is past the entrance at the end of the cul-de-sac.

This post will be presented as a photo journal. Signs at each of interpretive location provide educational information about specific features unique to the Alberta Badlands.

The paved component of the trail continues past the junction between Point 4 and Point 5, The paved component is a wide, paved trail creating a large cycling-appropriate loop through Midland Provincial Park.

Following photos take the clearly signed left turn past Point 4 along the Interpretive Trail to Point 5 and beyond past Point 12. After completion of photo coverage on the Interpretive Loop there are a collection of sequential images captured along a portion of the paved loop trail.

Surreal impressions along the Interpretive Loop are beyond the scope of anything a camera can reasonably capture. Combined with the sounds and fresh odors of plant life and running water, the trail experience is therapy to achieve relaxation, to soothe the soul and to refresh senses and priorities. High points reveal sweeping vistas to Badland borders far away in the distance.

This completes photo coverage of the formal Interpretive Loop.

Following photographs are captured along the paved trail past the intersection for the left turn beyond Point 4 and illustrate a few of the views from the paved and larger loop trail through Midland Provincial Park. The area is surreal and unique.

Midland Provincial Park was once the location of the Midland Coal Mine which operated between 1912 and 1959. The mine office, isolated foundations along the interpretive trail and a few relics provide memories of the era.

And the Little Church, which seats 10,000, is a short distance further along North Dinosaur Trail. Taking the Bleriot Ferry across the Red Deer River provides the potential for a return to Drumheller on a very scenic route via South Dinosaur Trail.